FIRST STEP TRUST - FST BEXLEY

Our work placements provide on-the job training. Each worker has a personal development plan which tracks their progress towards becoming ready to move on to paid employment, alternative voluntary work or further education. A work placement at FST Bexley gives workforce members the opportunity to acquire the following skills: General The basic skills required by employers such as timekeeping, ability to work in a team and a positive attitude towards work. Office administration All aspects of office administration including computer skills, data inputting, following office procedures etc. Financial administration such as working with invoices, petty cash, processing cheques, paying suppliers, ordering supplies etc.

Practical skills Carpentary, painting and decorating, working with power tools and grounds maintenance. Customer service Understanding the need to deliver high-quality service, dealing with customers, promoting business services. Employment development Interviewing techniques, research, liaising with third parties. FST Bexley run the Next Steps Programme, an initiative funded by London Development Agency (LDA) which gives workforce members the opportunity to study for qualifications as part of their work experience.

The qualifications range from entry level up to NVQ 2, in IT, English, Maths and Customer Care and are nationally recognised by Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR). Next Steps also gives you access to a job club and ‘one-to-one’ support to improve your CV and interview technique. The great thing about learning in this way is that it gives people a chance to put into practice what they have learnt.